Hogenberg’s re-drawn and standardized maps formed the basis of the first atlas in history (even though it was Mercator who was the first to use the term a few decades later). The engraver for most of the maps in Theatrum was none other than the famous Frans Hogenberg, who also served as the main engraver for the 16th-century urban atlas Civitates Orbis Terrarum, published with Georg Braun in 1572. It was compiled by collecting maps and charts from colleagues across the continent, which Ortelius then had engraved in a uniform size and style. The Theatrum is conventionally considered the first modern-style atlas.
In 1570, he published a comprehensive collection of maps titled Theatrum orbis terrarum (Theatre of the World). Ortelius reached a turning point in his career in 1564 with the publication of a World Map in eight sheets, of which only a single copy survives. Ortelius traveled widely in pursuit of his interests, building contacts with mapmakers and literati all over the European continent. He believed geography was the ‘eye of history,’ which explains why he collected maps and historical documents with such passion. After studying Greek, Latin, and mathematics, he and his sister set up shop as book dealers and a ‘painter of maps.’ In his heart, Ortelius was, nevertheless, first and foremost a historian. Abraham Ortelius (1527-1598) was born in Antwerp to Flemish parents in 1527.
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